Window finishing ideas
45 Best Window Treatment Ideas
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
You don't have to pick between natural light and privacy.
By Hadley Mendelsohn
JESSIE PREZA
Windows (and access to natural light) can make or break a space, but many people overlook the importance of window treatments when planning a space. Window coverings can be functional, purely decorative, or strike a balance between the two, depending on your space and the amount of natural light you receive and prefer. Whether it's full and flowing drapes, modern coverings, classic curtains, Roman shades, or laidback shutters, the ideas ahead are sure to inspire a better view at home.
🏡You love finding new design tricks? So do we. Let us share the best of them.
Anna Spiro Design
1 of 45
Interior Glass Shades
This cozy bedroom by Anna Spiro Design is a masterclass in eclectic decorating. Though there's plenty of pattern mixing going on, from the plaid armchair to the floral motif headboard, it feels cohesive and thoughtful. That's partially thanks to the consistent color scheme and Roman shades treatments, which are installed on the windows and interior door windows. Design consistency aside, this also ensures total privacy.
LAURE JOLIET
2 of 45
Stained Glass
Stained glass is so much more than good-looking (though those colorful shadows it casts are certainly welcome). It also works hard! Reath Design blocked a view of the driveway and enhanced street-level privacy by replacing glass panes with colorfully painted ones. This is a great option when you want to introduce color and obstruct a view without blocking all the natural light.
2LG Studios
3 of 45
Sheer White Curtains
If you're lacking on windows, choose sheer panels for maximum light.
They will help keep the room from feeling too closed off. In this space designed by 2LG Studio, the curtains stretch all the way up to the ceiling.
JESSIE PREZA
4 of 45
Hanging Art
Designer Krystal Matthews has tons of clever decorating tips up her sleeve. In this home office, she created depth and character by hanging two pieces of artwork right over the back window since there was nowhere else to install wall decor. But aside from looking good, they also help block a less than scenic view.
Victoria Pearson
5 of 45
Cohesive Patterns
"It goes against decorating 101, but using small patterns together can be easier on the eye," says interior decorator Kristin Panitch, who designed this dreamy pink cloud of a bedroom. The matchy-matchy wallpaper, curtains, bedding, and headboard create a gorgeous backdrop for a good night sleep while the colorful throw pillows add just enough contrast.
Werner Straube
6 of 45
Double Blinds
For extra dimension and less light filtration, double up.
Here, interior design Corey Damen Jenkins hung both roman shades and drapes.
Paul Costello
7 of 45
Rattan Blinds
Rattan blinds will let a little natural light shine in while still delivering some privacy. In interior designer Shaun Smith's New Orleans home, this tiny bathroom is the perfect blend of refined and approachable, with a great blend of materials and prints.
Brigette Romanek Design
8 of 45
Classic Shutters
In this living room by Romanek Design Studio, the classic white shutters complement the monochromatic color scheme and timeless yet contemporary style of the sofa and coffee table.
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
9 of 45
Matching Wallpaper
Match your wallpaper and curtains for a fully enveloped aesthetic. In this attic sanctuary designed by Mally Skok, the vibrant and warm tones of the printed wallpaper and fabric curtains make everything feel rosy. The contemporary rug, casual side table, and étagère also help ground the more traditional and formal elements of the room.
Thomas Loof
10 of 45
Awning and Shutters
Don't neglect your exteriors. Designed by tropical decor maven Amanda Lindroth, this window is treated with shutters and an orange striped awning matching the bench beneath it. Though most hurricane shutters are just for looks these days, make sure yours at least look functional by taking proper measurements so that they look like they can close over the window evenly.
Shannon McGrath
11 of 45
Multi-Hued Curtains
The sheepskin throw, metallic touches, and multi-hued curtains make this stylish little reading nook by Hecker Guthrie the perfect blend of cozy and cool. The colorful, loose curtains feel both modern and laidback. Plus, nothing amps up the fun factor like a playful swing chair.
Maltsev Design
12 of 45
Dramatic Curtains
In this kitchen designed by Malstev Design, the moody red curtains deliver a dignified sense of drama. We love how they stretch from the floor to the ceiling and are cinched super low to the ground to playfully skew the proportions.
Romanek Design Studio
13 of 45
Bare
Some rooms can actually be better off without any window treatments at all. This is especially true in a modern kitchen, where any and all additional task lighting is welcome, and fabrics that run the risk of fading from sunlight are minimal or nonexistent. In this bright and airy California kitchen by Romanek Design Studio, the serving windows look beautiful (and more functional) left bare.
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
14 of 45
Fancy Frames
Color stretches all the way up to the rafters in this living room designed by Thomas Jayne and William Cullum. We love how they chose to frame the windows with a gorgeous drapery that draws your eye up and doesn't encroach into the space too much. All together, the room feels traditional and formal but still country chic and casual.
STACEY BRANDFORD
15 of 45
Curtains Beyond the Windows
Instead of hanging curtains right over the window, create a cozy little oasis like this by hanging tall curtains in front of a window seat reading nook, as Sarah Richardson did here.
Feli Forest
16 of 45
Frosted Glass
In this bathroom designed by Arent & Pyke, the frosted glass windows allow for extra privacy without needing to hang any curtains. This helps maintain that clean-lined modern aesthetic.
Nicole Franzen
17 of 45
Folding Screen
A folding screen is one of the most useful decorative items you can buy. It can add architectural dimension, color and pattern, and function as a window treatment without even requiring you to hang anything or reach for your toolkit. Place it strategically, and next thing you know, you have yourself a makeshift window treatment.
Heather Hilliard Design
18 of 45
Tie-Up Shades
This bathroom by Heather Hilliard is understated elegance perfected. That's partially thanks to the blue marble tub backsplash and Victorian-inspired fixtures, but the tie-up shades really polish the space. Try this soft and full-looking window treatment style for a similarly romantic touch.
David Tsay
19 of 45
Hang From the Highest Point
Hang your curtains from the highest point possible to create contrast and make a room feel taller. In this bohemian dining room by Justina Blakeney, the curtains go way above the window for a fuller, more spacious feel.
Bjorn Wallander
20 of 45
Full Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains
The master bedroom in designer Janie Molster's home is anchored by a dramatic suzani behind the illustrious pink velvet headboard. The curtains contribute to the sense of fullness, warmth, and energy, while the pale linens and classic chairs bring in a timeless touch. Use this space as inspiration if you think your room could use a little more depth and dimension.
Paul Raeside
21 of 45
Roman Shades
If your home already has blinds, make it feel more personalized and refined with Roman shades. The green shades in this bedroom designed by Andrew Flesher add a fun bit of color and block out light for sleeping in on the weekends.
Tasmin Johnson
22 of 45
Classic Shades
In this dream closet designed by Tamsin Johnson, the classic white shades dress down the more glamorous elements of the space.
Leanne Ford Interiors
23 of 45
Farmhouse Shutters
Designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, these farmhouse shutters allow the occupant to adjust their access to light while also playing up the rustic look. It could be a fun DIY project, too, if you're up for the woodworking challenge.
Paul Raeside
24 of 45
Printed Roman Shades
Use a Roman shade to add pattern to a room or to play up an existing print. If you're wary of it feeling too bold, keep the wall a neutral tone. Take a cue from this inviting living room designed by Andrew Flesher.
Lisa Romerein
25 of 45
Curtains Everywhere
Tonal bedrooms with plenty of curtains and canopies = instantly elevated and cozy. Choose a neutral color for a calming, soft space. Tented in various fabrics, this bedroom designed by Benjamin Dhong is a romantic cocoon.
Francesco Lagnese
26 of 45
Short Curtains
Hang your bathroom curtains at the midpoint of the window for visually intriguing approach. This will ensure privacy, but it also keeps things interesting style-wise.
Catherine Kwong
27 of 45
Add a Fun Trim
If you're afraid of overdoing it with color in a neutral space but want to add a little pop of intrigue, choose curtains with a neutral base and add a printed trim. The sleek wood wall in this room gives it an edge, while the light curtains, bedding, and carpet soften things up.
TREVOR DIXON
28 of 45
Tassel Detail Curtains
This mudroom plays with color, texture, and pattern. The fringed drapes are fun touch that play off the classic prints in this cheerful little transitional space designed by Eddie Ross.
Alec Hemer
29 of 45
Hang a Sheet or Tarp
When it comes to laidback beach and country houses, embrace the easy breezy lifestyle by simply hanging a sheet across the window to block a little light when necessary and soften the harder materials.
Anson Smart
30 of 45
Pink Sheers
This dining room designed by Arent & Pyke manages to look open, romantic, and ethereal while also being grounded, formal, and versatile. That's thanks to the warm brown leather and wood punctuated by black details, all of which contrast nicely with the dreamy pink sheers.
35 Unexpected Color Combos for Palette Inspo
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
Window Treatments Ideas: 15 Better Ways to Dress a Window
Stenciled Sign
1/16
Instead of topping her kitchen window with a traditional valance, Mary from At Home on the Bay used a salvaged wood board with a stenciled design, created by Lemonade Makin’ Mama. The rustic valance lets light flood the room but doesn't look too sparse. Plus, the cheery message and bright colors could provide much-needed encouragement to tackle those dirty dishes!
athomeonthebay.
com
Rustic Privacy Screen
2/16
To dress up a large bay window, consider skipping curtains or blinds altogether and opting instead for a privacy screen. This DIY version by Funky Junk Interiors is inspired by old farm-style gates. Constructed of tongue-and-groove pine boards and hinges, this project is fairly easy to replicate.
funkyjunkinteriors.net
Frosted Glass Design
3/16
Frosted glass provides exceptional privacy, but it completely blocks the view of the outdoors. With some low-tack tape and frosted glass spray paint, however, you can create a custom pattern that shields your home a bit from prying eyes but still lets in light. Plus, a frosted design doubles as a decorative element, as demonstrated by this playfully geometric pattern from A Beautiful Mess.
abeautifulmess.com
Advertisement
Faux Stained Glass
4/16
Stained glass adds a pop of color to any room, and it filters light in a lovely, unique way when used as a window treatment.
Take a cue from the bloggers behind A Beautiful Mess and create your own custom stained-glass panel. The project requires just a piece of glass, some lead adhesive strips, and glass paint—all available at your local craft store.
abeautifulmess.com
Tablecloth Linens
5/16
A crafty homeowner can whip up a window treatment with any textile—even table linens! Debbie from Debbie Doo’s took pretty cloth napkins and hung them from a rod using curtain clips. The result is an easy and cheerful alternative to a traditional valance.
debbie-debbiedoos.com
Vintage-Style Shutters
6/16
Although these shutters by Vintage News Junkie look like timeworn antiques, they were actually constructed from IKEA bed slats! This piece can be customized to fit any window. For a truly rustic look, trick it out with distressed paint and barn door hardware.
vintagenewsjunkie.com
Advertisement
Glass Window Shelves
7/16
Some windows—such as the tiny ones often set above a kitchen sink—don’t require full coverage.
For these windows, homeowners can choose to install a set of glass shelves instead of curtains. This approach lets them satisfy privacy needs while simultaneously showcasing decorative accessories, a collection of herbs, or whatever else strikes their fancy. Brittany from Pretty Handy Girl chose to liven up her shelves with an assortment of greenery.
Related: 10 Tiny Gardens You Can Grow on Your Windowsill
prettyhandygirl.com
Lace Windowpanes
8/16
This genius window treatment is a boon to renters! By applying lace directly to window glass with a cornstarch paste, DIYer Annabel Vita enjoys both privacy and natural light. The lace can be completely and easily removed by washing with warm water, making this a quick, inexpensive, and low-commitment DIY.
annabelvita.com
DIY Rolled Valance
9/16
Sometimes the best option for enhancing privacy and darkness in a room is a simple shade.
This rolled valance, which hides a practical roller shade underneath, was made by The Painted Hive with lumber, fabric, natural linen ribbon, and rustic buttons. The window treatment easily comes together with hemming tape for a quick, no-sew alternative.
thepaintedhive.net
Advertisement
Faux Leaded Glass
10/16
Paint a bit of privacy onto your windows by recreating this faux leaded glass at home with the help of the tutorial at It All Started With Paint. Leading strips and gallery glass paint in clear and black are applied to the window pane, resulting in a permanent window covering fit for a historic home.
itallstartedwithpaint.com
Hanging Herb Garden
11/16
Brighten up a plain kitchen window blind by using it as a backdrop for an indoor garden that doubles as a beautiful yet practical window treatment. Amber from The Bird and Her Song opted to display greenery, but homeowners could put flowers in the pots instead for a burst of color.
Related: 10 Crazy New Ways to Bring the Garden Indoors
thebirdandhersong.com
Ribbon Garland
12/16
For a light and fancy window treatment, knot a selection of ribbons over a cord or dowel to form a garland. The color, pattern, and length are completely customizable, and DIYers can mix different textures to create a one-of-a-kind fashion statement.
etsy.com
Advertisement
Wood Vertical Blinds
13/16
An old heat-treated pallet can be made useful indoors when salvaged and hung as a one-of-a-kind window blind. Attach the pallet boards to curtain rings through a drilled hole to slide the slats closed at night and open during the day. Follow the full tutorial at Instructables.
instructables.com via Humboldtartdept
Feed-Sack Curtains
14/16
Vintage feed sacks serve as the perfect café curtains in this modern country kitchen. Anita from Far Above Rubies hemmed the sacks, then strung them across a wire with rings.
The finished curtain lends homey charm to the room.
hometalk.com
Macrame Hanging
15/16
When your taste in window coverings is not conventional, knots may be your best friend. This DIY macrame window hanging from Little Vintage Cottage can be threaded together with nylon cord, jute, or rope, and tied in any number of designs to complement your backsplash, floor coverings, or personal sense of style.
littlevintagecottage.com
Advertisement
Curtain Call
16/16
There are window covering options to suit any individual style.
bobvila.com
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
Decor ideas: How to make slopes on windows in a house and apartment
Window opening has always been one of the main decorations of the space, and the traditions of its decor go deep into the history of peoples, reflecting the culture and everyday habits of people in different countries.
If in Russia we pay more attention to window sills, then in Europe they like to decorate slopes. In houses where the thickness of the outer walls creates a microspace around the window, the design of the slopes can set new functional and decorative scenarios for the entire room.
Solomon & Wu
White on white
In Scandinavian style, which is so beloved in Russia, the windows, as a rule, remain free from curtains. In Sweden, where this photo is from, in the old fund the walls are wide, and the windows are high, often cast-iron radiators in a niche under the window and even original stucco molding have been preserved.
A similar picture is possible in domestic "Stalinka" throughout the country and, of course, in the old houses of St. Petersburg. In the eternal twilight of the north, light interiors are a necessity, not a tribute to fashion. How to pay attention to a white window in a white room?
Photographer Idha Lindhag
In this case, you can place accents due to relief elements that will attract attention.
In the photograph, the slopes on the windows in the apartment are decorated with panels with panels, and from the side of the room they are framed with molding. Take note of this trick.
Design Realization
The decorative motif of the relief depends on the overall style and your desire. Strict geometry - for the classics, garlands, nets and shells are suitable for luxurious interiors, folk ornaments, Art Nouveau geometric patterns, heraldic lilies, cameos, mascarons and medallions - all elements can be beaten, and the execution can be both author's and from prefabricated items. The main thing is that in the rays of the sun, even a shallow relief will sparkle and will not be left without attention.
Malin Simson Interior
Tip: Use pure white glossy paint on window sills to give the surface a sheen and make the window look bigger. In this case, it is better to paint the walls with matte paint.
elisabethphotography.com
Moldings around the window
In bright interiors, the technique of framing the window with white molding looks especially elegant. At the same time, the “frame” around the window can be completed at the level of the window sill, or you can continue the portal to the floor, grabbing the radiator, and thus visually enlarge the window and raise the ceiling. This option is suitable for apartments with north-facing windows.
Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
Color contrasts can also be set in reverse. In the photograph, the neutral interior of the dining room takes on a distinctly southern character due to the sunny yellow windows.
Idea: Instead of curtains, you can use functional shelves with dishes, right “above” the window. True, you need to check whether the depth of the slopes is enough to open the sash for ventilation.
Vendome Press
Color
When ordering a new window, think about the color of the profile. Why not make windows NOT white? Sometimes it is enough to add only one bright detail to breathe a new flavor into the interior. Look at this photo - a completely white kitchen has become much “tastier” with a juicy green window.
Fact: Bright frames look especially good in small windows, as in this case, or in a group of identical windows on the same wall, as in the previous photo.
Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc
Not only the window frames themselves can be colored, but also the slopes along with them. Look at the solution from the photo - here the designer decided not to highlight the slopes, but to paint them in the general color of the wall. If you have a gorgeous view outside the window, why divert attention from it?
Busy Bees ApS
By the way, this technique also works with white, it is great for purists who are distracted by even minor details.
Irregular spaces with sloping walls, polygonal in plan look especially impressive “in white” - the more planes, the more interesting the game of penumbra will be.
SEE ALSO…
345 more photos of skylight design
Louise de Miranda
We can't help but mention the black color. Personally, I really like the dark frames in the dark framed slopes - for example, a shade of graphite. Just as a little black dress is appropriate for any occasion, a window in black will fit into any style. A black slope strip will graphically emphasize the geometry of the opening on a blank wall sheet in a modern interior, dark wood will add solidity to a classic interior, and black aluminum squares are a hallmark of the industrial loft style.
Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture
Wood Bevels
Wood is a lively and warm material traditionally used in window frames and window sills.
Extend the wood cladding all the way around the window and it will change the look of the entire room. Again, this technique looks equally successful both in the performance of smooth plywood and carved solid wood panels.
Marka Interior Factory
Brick and stone
If you are lucky and the exterior walls of the house are made of bricks, and the windows have inlaid curly lintels, it is a sin to hide such wealth. My advice to you: clear and show the "crown" in all its glory, as in this interior from St. Petersburg.
Advice: In southern Europe, it is popular to plaster walls by “cutting out” the figured masonry of openings, as in the photo. You can repeat this technique with an ordinary brick, for example, by “cutting out” an arch in a layer of plaster around an ordinary square window.
Sarah Lavoine - Studio d'architecture d'intérieur
Mirrors
An easy and effective way to decorate slopes is to decorate them with mirrors.
Sheet to the size of the plane - as in the photo, a mirror mosaic that breaks the rays of the sun into many bunnies, or just small mirrors in frames - choose the solution to your taste. In any case, the effect of reflecting the window in a different plane will bring new perspectives to the room, and, of course, add light.
Mehditash Design
Tip: If desired, you can even arrange a mini-gallery in the windows by hanging small frames or souvenirs in a row, or by combining them in one long vertical frame. In this case, it is better to use the shady side of a wide slope so that photographs and paintings do not fade in the sun.
Elena Kindtner
Painting and wallpaper
In the conditions of a long Russian winter, stingy with paints, you can arrange a garden in the window, painting the slopes with flowers, as in Ryabushkin’s painting “Seat of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich with boyars in his sovereign’s room”, illustrating painted interiors of the Romanov Chambers in Zaryadye.
Inspiration can be found in the patterns of traditional Russian crafts, such as Gzhel, Zhostovo trays, Pavloposad shawls or Khokhloma promoted by Simachev.
Desatori
If popular Russian motifs are not close to your heart, you can cover the slopes with bright wallpaper, as the owner of this small Moscow apartment did. This spring accent turns an ordinary city window into a magical door leading to the flower garden from Alice in Wonderland, you just need to bite into the right pie.
Kingston Lafferty Design
I would also like to write about the beautiful windows of Portugal, which are laid out with painted azulejo tiles, about the blue windows of the Greek Islands, about the traditional carved architraves of wooden Russia, about the colorful windows like confetti, the windows of the Austrian architect Hundertwasser - inspiration can be found everywhere.
Idea: Slope techniques can also be used to decorate openings (great example in the Irish project pictured).
Folkhem
SEE ALSO…
457 more window designs in the Photos section of Houzz
YOUR TURN…
Write in the comments? Or maybe you yourself have embodied some interesting ideas at home?
Sponsored
Deckers Käfferlein - Architekten mit Leidenschaft für gute Architektur
9 unexpected ideas for decorating window sills
1 Mirrors
One of the most effective ways to decorate window sills is to place mirrors there. Such a technique will visually expand the window opening, increase the natural light entering the room and reflect the composition on the windowsill. Isn't it a nice bonus for such a simple design solution?
Design: IKEA
2 Color
Another way to decorate slopes is to paint them in a bright, contrasting color. Painting in the color of windows will look especially advantageous if the walls in the room are decorated in other colors.
Photo: hoedemakerpfeiffer.com
The reception is especially relevant for minimalist interiors and in cases where there was no place for a catchy wall decor in the room: a bright, eye-catching window unit will successfully fulfill this function.
Photo: Instagram mariekerusticusstyling
3 Decorative panels
Modern manufacturers offer special panels for decorating window slopes. They can be made of various materials, in a certain style, have a textured pattern.
Photo: Instagram mariekerusticusstyling
There is a very wide range of such decorative panels for children's rooms - with colorful patterns, drawings of animals or fairy-tale characters, take note.
Photo: Instagram timofei_qunell
4 Curtains
Slopes can even be visually hidden from view by curtains. It looks especially impressive if the cornice is placed directly above the frame, and the length of the curtains corresponds to the height of the window opening (note that for such a reception the room must have very large windows and fairly high ceilings).
Photo: Instagram mariekerusticusstyling
5 Wood
Slopes can also be decorated with wood (both in a contrasting shade and in the color of the walls). The option is not the most budgetary, but it is environmentally friendly, durable and effective.
Design: Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture
6 Art Painting
You can transform a window opening into a real piece of art - and decorate the slopes with artistic painting. In many styles (classical, Provencal, ethnic, neoclassical, eclectic and others), this unusual solution will be very appropriate.
Photo: Instagram medvedev_alex_art
7 Ceramic tiles
You can also lay out slopes with tiles or mosaics (fully or partially).
Photo: Instagram bansic1728
8 Pictures, posters, photo
If your slopes are quite wide, why not place photo frames, posters or pictures there? Such a solution will add coziness and individuality to the interior and will be especially appropriate if the window unit is not hidden by thick curtains, but is in plain sight.
